The arrow's hiss had barely ended before chaos exploded in the hall.
No one stood still. No one watched in stunned silence. In an instant, everyone was in motion.
The Prime Minister's men drew their blades, roaring as they lunged forward, trying to close ranks around their leader. The clang of steel rang out, cutting through the frantic shouts and the pounding of feet.
Hua Jing's lips curved into a faint smile—no fear, no hesitation. She stepped back, her red silk swirling like fire as a soldier swung his blade at her neck. She twisted to the side, the blade missing her by a hair's breadth, and slammed her palm into his wrist, forcing his sword to drop. She snatched it from his fumbling fingers, the blade flashing as she spun and cut him down.
Another man was already there, lunging at her with a spear. She ducked low, the tip slicing through the air where her head had been. She rolled forward, coming up behind him, and drove the blade into the gap of his armor, her eyes cold.
